2017 New Jersey Wine & Food Festival Recap

2017 New Jersey Wine & Food Festival Recap

The 9th annual New Jersey Wine & Food Festival at Crystal Springs Resort that took place last week is officially over. Renowned Chef Daniel Boulud was the Guest of Honor and proceeds benefited Ment’or, a leading nonprofit organization devoted to inspiring culinary excellence in young professionals and preserving the traditions and quality of cuisine in America. About […]

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Top Rosé Wines Under $15

Top Rosé Wines Under $15

Those of us living in a cold climate are eager to get the rosé uncorked, marking the unofficial start of the Spring-Summer season. I enjoy rosé wines year-around – heavier in the winter and lighter in the summer and below are examples of nice, accessible rosé wines for under $15. 2015 M. Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes […]

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Taste of Roma Limited Time Menu at Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas

Taste of Roma Limited Time Menu at Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas

Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas, known for its small plates with modern twists to Italian classics and fine wines from around the world, will be offering a special Taste of Roma menu at its locations in the Clifton Commons in Clifton, NJ and The Gallery at Westbury Plaza in Garden City, NY from April […]

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Creamy Soft Polenta

Creamy Soft Polenta

Polenta is comfort in a bowl and ultra-easy to make. It’s a perfect complement for hearty toppings like short ribs, boeuf Bourguignon or sautéed mixed mushrooms. It’s also delicious served on its own with an extra grating of Parmesan. This week, I served my polenta with rich, delectable boeuf Bourguignon (beef in Burgundy sauce) and […]

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Mercantile Dining & Provision – Denver Elevated Comfort Food at Its Best

Mercantile Dining & Provision – Denver Elevated Comfort Food at Its Best

Each time I’m in a different city for work, I try to find creative restaurants to dine at for the evenings free of clients and colleagues. Since there was so much buzz about Mercantile Dining & Provision, I had to try it. A quick Uber ride from my downtown Denver hotel and I arrived at […]

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5 Best Bacon Recipes

5 Best Bacon Recipes

It’s been said that bacon makes everything better. I must agree with that statement…porky, fatty, salty…what could be better (vegan/vegetarian friend refrain from comments!). Here are 5 of the best bacon-centric recipes on my blog for you to try this weekend. Bacon Collard Greens Crustless Quiches Chicken Thighs with Bacon in Riesling Duck Fat and […]

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Maple Syrup Spread

Maple Syrup Spread

It’s that time of year when I get homesick for Quebec and my family….and, going to the maple sugar shack. I grew up going to the sugar shack at our ranch and get a serious case of the blues when I can’t make it up to Quebec for this sweetest season. When that happens, as […]

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Porter Collins Elevating Uptown Hoboken

Porter Collins Elevating Uptown Hoboken

Today is the day. The anticipation is over. Sexy, buzz-worthy Porter Collins is opening tonight to the excitement of diners in northern New Jersey and beyond. I was at last week’s pre-grand opening party and I can say that Chef Anthony and Liz Pino, owners/founders of Pino Hospitality, have a sure winner on their hands […]

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Spinach Dip Mozzarella Sticks

Spinach Dip Mozzarella Sticks

My brother-in-law, Etienne, enjoys experimenting in the kitchen and trying new dishes when at restaurants. I really love that about him! This past week, he decided to try one of those Buzzfeed’s Tasty video recipes for Spinach Dip Mozzarella Sticks. How great does that sound!!? It’s like two of my favorite appetizers in one! Ingredients: […]

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Olivella Now Open in Bergen County

Olivella Now Open in Bergen County

Olivella, a new Italian restaurant, opened Monday night in North Bergen. This is the first New Jersey project from Chef Salvatore Olivella, one of the top pizza makers in the country. A native of Naples, Italy – the birthplace of modern pizza – Chef Olivella has built an impressive résumé consulting for many of New […]

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